🎂 The best August events in Philly

Take a Day Trip

If your summer break has kept you close to home, you might want to leave the city at least once before August ends. Thanks to Philly’s location along the East Coast, you can easily take a trip to New York City or Washington, D.C. There’s also plenty to explore within the Keystone State, and Harrisburg, Lancaster, and Doylestown aren’t that far away.

Pass the Popcorn

Sit back and relax on the grass as you watch a film with your neighbors! Several outdoor screenings are scheduled in Philly’s parks through the remainder of the summer. Scribe Video Center just announced a slate of “Street Movies!” screenings for August. And if you feel inspired after watching, you can take a video-making class at Scribe.

Be Social on a Budget

After spending on vacations and Philly’s major events this summer, you may need to do some penny-pinching. If you need help sticking to a budget, Opera Philadelphia’s Pick Your Price special starting at $11 returns Aug. 4 for its fall productions. And if you need help saving on meals, Post Haste is joining Global Pay What You Can Day on Aug. 26, when restaurants offer their regular menu at your desired price.

Pack Your Bookbag

It’s back-to-school season, which means it’s time to stock up on school supplies, but that task can often be a burden on families. Several organizations are hosting giveaways to help:

• Aug. 3 at MLK High School
• Aug. 7 at Penrose School
• Aug. 8 at St. Barnabas Community Center
• Aug. 11 at Marcus Foster Memorial Stadium
• Aug. 12 at Congreso
• Aug. 14 at the Kroc Center
• Aug. 15 at Penn Treaty Park
• Aug. 15 at Haddington Recreation Center
• Aug. 15 at Roosevelt Mall

Chow Down on Cemitas

August is National Sandwich Month, so what better way to celebrate than to go to a festival dedicated to one? A cemita is a sandwich associated with Puebla, Mexico, and Cantina La Martina is inviting local restaurants and chefs to put their own spin on the iconic sandwich at its Cemita Festival across from Mural City Cellars on Aug. 9. The sandwiches are pay-as-you-go. Mural City Cellars will be providing wine and other drinks. There will also be traditional folk dances.

Scream for Ice Cream

The Reading Terminal Market is hosting its annual ice cream festival on Aug. 15. Pay-as-you-go and enjoy cold treats from ice cream vendors. You can also participate in contests and kid-friendly activities. Want the scoop on where else to get the best ice cream in the city? Check out these recommendations.

Support Women’s Sports

Philly’s sporty summer isn’t over. The Professional Women’s Lacrosse League is coming to our area for its championship game on Aug. 15. The top teams will compete at Subaru Park, home of the Philadelphia Union, just outside the city in Chester, PA.

Let the Music Move You

North Philly has a rich jazz history, once home to several jazz clubs and social halls that saw legends such as Duke Ellington, John Coltrane, and Ella Fitzgerald. That legacy is being honored at Jazz on the Ave on Aug. 15. Cecil B. Moore Avenue will be closed to traffic and instead filled with live performances, a Kidz Zone, and community resources.

Celebrate Caribbean Cultural Pride

Not all of us can catch a flight to the Caribbean this summer, but luckily the Caribbean is coming to us. The Philly Caribbean Festival is celebrating its 40th year on Aug. 16. The party is at Cherry Street Pier. It will have live entertainment by international Caribbean artists, fashion shows, cultural exhibitions, and of course, the best Caribbean cuisine.

Check Off That TBR List

If you’re falling behind on your summer reading, now’s the time to bounce back. The Philly Bookstore Crawl returns Aug. 22, encouraging readers to support independent bookstores around the city. Participating stores will offer discounts, autographed books, and giveaways.

Be Bald and Beautiful

After Robert Capron shaved his head last June, he said it was “one of the best months of my life.” To spread the joy of a hairless scalp, Capron organized Bald Fest, inviting the bald and bald-at-heart to come together. Now he’s bringing it back, this time at The Lawn at uCity Square on Aug. 29. Shave your head, bring a bald cap, or come as you are. The day will have live music, vendors, and raffles.

🎧 Want more recommendations? Listen to Thursday's podcast, where we give our top picks for major activities, freebies, food, and ways to give back.

• Now through Aug. 2: Yo Adrienne Improv Festival at Adrienne Theater
• Aug 6-9: BlackStar Film Festival (Multiple Locations)
• Aug. 6-9: Furrydelphia 2026 at Sheraton Downtown Philadelphia
• Aug. 7: WWE Smackdown at Xfinity Mobile Arena
• Aug. 8-16: “Stella for Star” at Theatre Exile
• Aug. 9: Hilary Duff at Highmark Mann
• Aug. 13: Foo Fighters at Lincoln Financial Field
• Aug. 14: Jon Batiste at Highmark Mann
• Aug. 15: Jack Harlow at The Fillmore
• Aug. 15: UFC 330 at Xfinity Mobile Arena
• Aug. 20: Mon Laferte at The Met
• Aug. 22: Chance the Rapper at The Fillmore
• Aug. 25: Ella Mai at Highmark Mann
• Aug. 29: Zac Brown Band at Highmark Mann
• Aug. 29-30: Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow-N-Fire at Xfinity Mobile Arena